Once the playoffs get started next week, Bruins winger Shawn Thornton should be fully healed and cleared to play.

So time is running short for those players that want to be Boston’s 12th forward once Thornton is back in the lineup.

The battle will continue tonight in New York, as Thornton is “doubtful” to face the Rangers because of the stitches over his right eye, according to head coach Claude Julien. That means Tyler Seguin, Daniel Paille and Michael Ryder, the players most likely on the bubble, get another chance to make their pitch.

Seguin, meanwhile, hasn’t hurt the Bruins, but hasn’t helped much either. He’s gone eight games without a goal and has fired just two shots on net in his last three contests. He’s creating chances on a line with Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly, but not seeing results.

During his media briefing this morning in New York, Julien offered his opinion on Seguin’s play and how playoff-ready the rookie might be.

“I think there’s still time to see that. I can’t stand here and say he’s in, and I’m not going to say he’s out,” said Julien about Seguin and the playoffs. “I think we’re going to keep seeing him play and the one thing that I can tell you is I feel that in the last month, month and a half, he’s taken some good strides in regards to feeling more confident about his game. Like any other young player, there’s better games than others. But certainly, he’s built more confidence in his game for himself and even for us watching him than he had in the first half. That’s a good sign.”

“He’s got to get that confidence and be able to understand that he can go in the corners and come out with the puck,” the coach continued. “He doesn’t have to run anybody over, but you have to have that confidence. We’ve seen him get better in that area.”

A game with the rugged Rangers could be the perfect opportunity for Seguin to make his physical statement to the coaches.

After tonight, there are just three regular-season games left. The race is on to be in the playoff lineup.

Ryder is in a tough position, just like Seguin was a few weeks ago because neither of them fit in the 4th line. The difference to me is that Seguin wants it more and puts in more effort during the game. Seguin makes plenty of mistakes but it’s obvious he is trying to apply what the coaches are asking him to do. MattK I agree with you, Ryder is doing nothing except looking to make a highlight reel goal but is actually deking himself out of a shooting opportunity. If he does play he needs to just try shooting from the high slot area because that is where he gets his best chances. He’s trying to hard to impress the coaches with his moves.

I wish the Bruin fans were a lot more supportive of the team.THE WHOLE TEAM.To second guess an experienced coach like JC is just wrong.He has got this team on the map again…look at the sellout crowds,the Hab envy.We are the team to beat this year,CUP CONTENDERS ! GO BRUINS …ALL of em’

how are you going to say that Ryder had a “nondescript” game? he was HITTING people! he was playing, instead of drifting and floating and waiting. he actually looked quite good. I still want him sitting, come the playoffs, but that may change if he continues to look as good as he did. I will understand if Paille sits (he shouldn’t), but if Seguin doesn’t play in the playoffs, it will be a disappointment. I want to at least see what the added intensity does for/to him.